A Cluttered Life, by Pesi Dinnerstein, is a memoir about one woman’s quest for simplicity when she realizes the extent to which mess and disorder has crept into every corner of her existence. On the eve of her fiftieth birthday, Dinnerstein begins a mission to free herself from the excess baggage she carries, and finds—to her great surprise—that the meaning she’s spent years searching for is right there in her own piles of clutter.

I was so immersed in this book, I could not put it down! I actually read it, in its entirety, in one day and I don’t normally do that. :) I related with Pesi so much. Her journey for connecting, on a deeper level, to the people and the world around her, was mindful, inspirational, and enjoyable.

“With the help of devoted friends, a twelve-step recovery program, and a bit of Kabbalistic wisdom, her struggle against chaos is transformed from a distraction into its own journey of healing and personal growth. At times insightful, unsettling, and wildly funny, A Cluttered Life is the story of how one woman found her true self—and spiritual fulfillment—through trying to make sense of her own muddled world.”

This was truly a memorable read, a memorable story and journey.

Experience A Cluttered Life – for yourself.

“GOOD GRACES is an intricately woven tale told in the darkly humorous voice of a child. While exploring difficult issues such as the loss of innocence, bullying, child abuse and post-partum depression through her young narrator, Sally O’Malley, Kagen cleverly crafts her tale against the nostalgic backdrop of the Fifties. The result is a powerful reminder of a time filled with both the wonderful prevalence of pop music and soda fountains as well as many of the dark issues we face today—minus the resources we now have to deal with them. Even more important, Kagen alerts readers to the alarming vulnerability of a child, what can happen when we leave them to their own devices, and our duty to defend those who cannot protect themselves.”

My summer reading including spending time with Sally O’Malley and her sister, Troo. This was an enjoyable read and I’m so pleased to share it with you today. This was a much different time in Milwaukee, in the summer of 1960 as Sally tried to cope through the loss of her father. I enjoyed the authenticity of the close-knit family and community that cared for these two sisters during much emotional upheaval. This is a dramatic story, yes, but not without plenty of inspiration.

Though Baby Boomers will appreciate being transported back into the 50′s and 60′s through the detailed narrative of Sally, you don’t have to be from the boomer generation to appreciate this heartfelt story.
Read more about GOOD GRACES by Lesley Kagen..